Giving 100% in work

8inchplump · 21-04-2018 09:07AM #1

Do you often give your absolute best in work, pour your heart and soul into a project or task. On Thursday and Friday I I spent about 18 hours solid on a single project which I've to present to Directors on Monday, It's a satisfying feeling knowing you've given 100%, I've been guilty in the past of half assing tasks or trying to take short cuts. It's much more satisfying to do a job a properly and give it everything, it's good for the soul.

Ultimate Seduction · 21-04-2018 09:09AM

I'd argue the opposite, giving absolutely everything and 18 hours of your day to work drains the soul.

8inchplump · 21-04-2018 09:11AM

Ultimate Seduction wrote: »

I'd argue the opposite, giving absolutely everything and 18 hours of your day to work drains the soul.

I see where you're coming from, and it depends on the context, but for me it was energizing. It feels like I've truly earned my weekend, when I have a few drinks tonight I think I'll enjoy them more so than if I spent the week trying to do as little as possible.

BBDBB · 21-04-2018 09:14AM

The value of whatever reward you receive is I think directly proportional to how much you feel you have earned it

HoweverI dont think thats the only thing at play, if you are totally engrossed in a task/project then that can be enjoyable in itself, so in a way is its own reward

Mountainsandh · 21-04-2018 09:20AM

8inchplump wrote: »

Do you often give your absolute best in work, pour your heart and soul into a project or task. On Thursday and Friday I I spent about 18 hours solid on a single project which I've to present to Directors on Monday, It's a satisfying feeling knowing you've given 100%, I've been guilty in the past of half assing tasks or trying to take short cuts. It's much more satisfying to do a job a properly and give it everything, it's good for the soul.

I do, often, and have the same feeling as you, although my work can be disheartening when you don't reap the benefit of all that effort.

Not always as you'd simply burn out.
I have to check myself, and tell myself to relax and do a half-a€sed job sometimes.

21-04-2018 09:20AM

8inchplump wrote: »

Do you often give your absolute best in work, pour your heart and soul into a project or task. On Thursday and Friday I I spent about 18 hours solid on a single project which I've to present to Directors on Monday, It's a satisfying feeling knowing you've given 100%, I've been guilty in the past of half assing tasks or trying to take short cuts. It's much more satisfying to do a job a properly and give it everything, it's good for the soul.

Well, now that I work entirely for myself, I must give my best. There's no excuses to hide behind. And God knows, I've tried to excuse my laziness.:D

When it comes to working for other people/companies, I think it depends on how you're treated by them. When I was younger, most companies treated me as an object placeholder with little interest beyond simply doing the work assigned, and in those cases, I didn't commit myself much.

Later when I encountered companies who appreciated the "extra" work and commitment, then I gave them everything I had, and I loved both my work along with the results.

Thankfully, all that is finished with though, and I can focus on my work/future entirely for myself.

TG1 · 21-04-2018 09:28AM

I try to, but some days it feels like even if I could work 24 hours a day I still wouldn't get through everything which can be disheartening.

I have found though that I am much happier to do it in an environment where my views are taken on board some of the time,and credit is given where it is due.

My last role I felt like any progress I made would be taken off me and given to someone else over and over again and by the end of that I definitely wasn't giving all I could. Now I'm pouring everything i have into the new job in the hopes I will benefit from the exposure and experience I'm getting...

Masala · 21-04-2018 09:33AM

I finf that putting in extra hours over and above other just leaves me open to get loaded with more work. I bring work home to catch up and meet strict deadlines ... and even then I struggle as I get loaded with unexpected jobs as I am tge one 'responsible'
However ... as I am getting older... my body and mind is slowing down and I have to put my foot down. This week at a staff meeting I just said NO when someone said 'why don't we blah blah'.

The willing horse gets the load!!

Fann Linn · 21-04-2018 09:39AM

8inchplump wrote: »

Do you often give your absolute best in work, pour your heart and soul into a project or task. On Thursday and Friday I I spent about 18 hours solid on a single project which I've to present to Directors on Monday, It's a satisfying feeling knowing you've given 100%, I've been guilty in the past of half assing tasks or trying to take short cuts. It's much more satisfying to do a job a properly and give it everything, it's good for the soul.

What if the directors aren't happy with your work on Monday?

doolox · 21-04-2018 09:40AM

Try not to be the bottom stage of a multistage rocket. The one that does all the heavy lifting and hard work and effort. You find that more street smart and experienced employees will chip in at the end of a project when all the bugs and hard bits are ironed out and take all the credit.

Make sure every iota of work is recorded and accounted for. Better still get overtime for every hour worked or religiously record every hour for TOIL ( time off in lieu) purposes. From bitter experience I have found that if you can actually get to take your TOIL the company or unit won't last long anyway, look elsewhere for work.

It is vitally important to get timely recognition and external accreditation for all learning and experience accrued in doing extra work. There should be some transferable benefit to be got from it, promotion, extra qualification etc. otherwise you are only being a patsy for the boss and other more street-wise workers.

donegaLroad · 21-04-2018 09:42AM

I never give 100%, I always keep about 10% for myself.

doolox · 21-04-2018 09:50AM

I will always remember when an aunt of mine had a nervous breakdown and my uncle remarking that she never learned how to say no.

Sometimes you have to stop giving to others and be aware of agendas and say no to increasing demands of outsiders.

Collectively, Ireland needs to say no to increasing regulation, more work, more demands on peoples time money and resources and being the "good boy" for Europe.

Our health depends on it.

suicide_circus · 21-04-2018 09:58AM

60% max

erica74 · 21-04-2018 10:36AM

I never give 100% of myself but I do work hard. I work for the HSE. I am on a little less than €22,000 a year. I get abuse from patients every day, shouted at, cursed at, called stupid, someone called me a **** once but the majority of patients are unfortunately dealing with an awful system so very often they're justified in their anger but they're shouting at the wrong person. The organisation is an actual shambles. There is no leadership. There is no training, you're basically just thrown in wherever they want you to be and you either swim or drown as they hold you down. The building I work in is totally unsuitable for about 50% of the people who have offices there but the up to date building is for the "important" people who get paid lots of money. The "important" people in those jobs got them because of who they know, who they're related to and who they suck up to. There are many people in those jobs who have no qualifications whatsoever for those positions and are essentially having a terrible knock on effect on whatever part of the organisation they're in charge of. Realistically speaking, it would take getting rid of around 60% of the employees to really clean it up.
So no, I don't give 100% of myself. I have done so in past jobs and have gotten thanks and great job satisfaction for my effort.

Ultimate Seduction · 21-04-2018 10:44AM

My view on almost everything in life is, if you were on your death bed, with a few weeks to live, would you see those 18hour days as time well spent?

I'm no slacker, I give 100% when I'm in work, but 8 hour days are enough for me, my kids won't be young forever, they won't grow up remembering all the fun times daddy was in work, they'll remember daddy out playing ball, building treehouses ect.

Obviously, if you want to be super successful you have to put in the hours, I'm satisfied with having enough for a home and education for my kids.

kfallon · 21-04-2018 10:52AM

100% me hole.

8inchplump · 21-04-2018 11:03AM

Fann Linn wrote: »

What if the directors aren't happy with your work on Monday?

So be it, I'm happy with it. If I think there is useful feedback I'll take it on board.

ChikiChiki · 21-04-2018 11:42AM

Ultimate Seduction wrote: »

My view on almost everything in life is, if you were on your death bed, with a few weeks to live, would you see those 18hour days as time well spent?

I'm no slacker, I give 100% when I'm in work, but 8 hour days are enough for me, my kids won't be young forever, they won't grow up remembering all the fun times daddy was in work, they'll remember daddy out playing ball, building treehouses ect.

Obviously, if you want to be super successful you have to put in the hours, I'm satisfied with having enough for a home and education for my kids.

Thats a common complaint amongst strategic management/executives. Missing them vital days of their kids growing up and before you know it they are gone to uni. Yet these guys may live in a big house and drive a nice car but the stresses and long hours are still there relitively speaking.

Its a waste of life. Ive just resigned from a role as the hours are too much for me. The culture in the firm is that people work until 9/10pm each night. Not for me. I'm only there since January but seeing people that have been there 5/10 years doing late nights made my mind up quick.

I've come round to the idea of a lesser paid job that is strictly 9-5 sitting within a process and not bringing work home. Where in my field I have the opportunity to make 400-500 a day as a contractor for my own health I'm happy to half that for less stress, more family time and time to partake in my own hobbies that will make me an all round much happier human.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock · 21-04-2018 11:48AM

100% every week, without fail.

20% Monday
20% Tuesday
20% Wednesday...

s7ryf3925pivug · 21-04-2018 02:49PM

If you are doing 18 hours in a day then you are doing 225%.
I try to be careful to do 100%, not more and not less.

andekwarhola · 21-04-2018 03:29PM

I pragmatically work hard enough to stay in the job, earn my pay rise and bonus and not leave team members in the lurch. Not because hard work in itself is somehow virtuous and good for the soul.

I'll do unpaid extra work when it's required for a project or to help the team but it's not the norm as I value my family and my time outside work

whisky_galore · 21-04-2018 03:44PM

Just do the hours I'm paid for...not working after hours for a pat on the head and fcuk all else.

Wanderer2010 · 21-04-2018 03:55PM

8inchplump wrote: »

Do you often give your absolute best in work, pour your heart and soul into a project or task. On Thursday and Friday I I spent about 18 hours solid on a single project which I've to present to Directors on Monday, It's a satisfying feeling knowing you've given 100%, I've been guilty in the past of half assing tasks or trying to take short cuts. It's much more satisfying to do a job a properly and give it everything, it's good for the soul.

The answer depends very much on the culture of the workplace. My workplace does nothing to discipline or even acknowledge poor performance or people who abuse sick leave etc. They are left to cruise. So I don't bother sticking my neck out here because there is no point, you get zero thanks for going above and beyond and the waster next to you who spends all day talking gets the exact same bonus as you.

On the other hand, I have been in jobs where there was a real team effort and people supported each other and we were all on the same page. In such a place, I would happily do 15 hour days for the sense of satisfaction. But even then, not every day obviously. Even if you enjoy your work, your health comes first. You are no good to anyone burnt out.

Royale with Cheese · 21-04-2018 04:04PM

I used to, early on in my career. But I found you will not be thanked for it and just get shít on by certain people higher up regardless of what you do.

I work for me now, if I'm not benefitting from working my ass off then I'm not going to do it. Thankfully my work situation means I don't have to go chasing promotions or try to impress anyone in management, just do the job I'm contracted to do.

bloodless_coup · 21-04-2018 04:05PM

If you are working for yourself, and see the profit of working long hours, then it can be worth it.

If you are working for someone else and more than 8 hours a day for a fixed salary (no overtime) then you are being taken advantage of and are an idiot.

TG1 · 21-04-2018 04:21PM

doylefe wrote: »

If you are working for yourself, and see the profit of working long hours, then it can be worth it.

If you are working for someone else and more than 8 hours a day for a fixed salary (no overtime) then you are being taken advantage of and are an idiot.

I don't agree, you can work for any number of reasons. Personally I get satisfaction out of completing things, I have received out performance bonuses that were not previously agreed, I have received a promotion off the back of work I've done, I now have a role where I receive mentorship and have a progression route because I work hard, and I have received thanks from people who I helped out in the course of my work.

I have also had work and effort ignored, but for me, life isn't just about take home pay, and all of the above mean a lot to me, so I am willing to put in unpaid hours in order to ensure I keep turning out quality work and that I keep progressing in my chosen field.

Graces7 · 21-04-2018 05:05PM

Please take care not to burn out for any reason. Either self inflicted or from "above"!

I had that happen as a young teacher and it destroyed my health.

Balance is needed, I still work very hard at whatever I do though!

Used to be a saying, that no one ever died of hard work :rolleyes:

Take time out..

laserlad2010 · 21-04-2018 06:01PM

As a doctor, the public demand 100% from me every minute that I am in work. No mistakes, no lapses in professionalism, nothing less than 100%.

Most people here know 100% isn't possible 100% of the time.

Perhaps the reason so many of my colleagues burn out in their late twenties is because of the unreasonable expectations placed upon them.

wakka12 · 21-04-2018 09:58PM

I do whats necessary to keep my job, and do any work which somebody is relying on me for. Im here to make money to sustain myself and enjoy nice things outside of work hours, not peace of mind knowing Ive worked long hard hours for a company that cares a lot more about money than you

titan18 · 21-04-2018 10:55PM

I'd work relatively hard (nothing close to 100% though), but the company and manager are happy with my work so I'd have no motivation to do more tbh. We've also got this Minimum Viable Product strategy in IT now, so it gives me full permission to do as little as possible in order to deliver something to the users. I'm just following strategy by being a bit lazy now.

fleet_admiral · 21-04-2018 11:12PM

If you dropped dead your job would be posted online before your obituary.

Giving 100% in work

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